Sherman Oaks, California – A quiet Saturday afternoon in Sherman Oaks turned into a terrifying ordeal for one family after masked burglars attempted to break into their home while children and their grandmother were inside, prompting the children’s mother to race back and confront the suspects.
Burglars Target Home While Family Was Away
The incident unfolded while the parents were out, leaving the children under the care of their grandmother. According to the family, two masked men wearing gray hoodies were spotted outside the home’s rear sliding glass door, appearing to test or attempt entry.
Realizing the danger, the grandmother immediately called her daughter in a panic, warning that the men were actively trying to break into the house. The call set off a frantic chain of events as the mother rushed back toward the home.
Security System Disabled Before Break-In Attempt
Before attempting to enter the property, the suspects are believed to have tampered with the home’s surveillance system. The family said their advanced security setup suddenly went offline, raising concerns that the burglars had deliberately disabled the cameras to avoid detection.
Despite the system failure, some surveillance footage was later recovered, capturing critical moments of the suspects’ escape.
Mother’s Desperate Return Forces Suspects to Flee
The mother said adrenaline took over as she returned to the neighborhood in her Mercedes G-Wagon. Upon arriving, she encountered the suspects near a white Honda believed to be their getaway vehicle.
In the chaos of the moment, the vehicle was struck, rendering it damaged. Surveillance video shows two men immediately fleeing the scene on foot. Moments later, a third suspect struggled to exit the passenger side of the car, apparently because the driver-side doors were jammed from the impact.
The three suspects ultimately escaped before officers arrived.
Evidence Left Behind Offers Investigators Key Leads
Although the burglars managed to get away, they left behind what police described as substantial evidence. Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department recovered multiple items from the damaged vehicle, including radios and walkie-talkies, a crowbar, wallets, and identification documents.
Investigators believe these materials could provide crucial leads, including possible names and addresses tied to the suspects.
Family Says Fear Lingers After Close Call
The family said the incident has left them shaken and fearful, especially knowing their children were inside during the attempted break-in. Even short outings now feel risky, and holiday gatherings are being reconsidered as safety concerns take priority.
They described the emotional toll as ongoing, saying the sense of security in their own home has been deeply disrupted.
Hope for Arrests as Investigation Continues
Homeowners say they are hopeful that the evidence recovered will allow police to make meaningful progress in identifying and locating the suspects. With personal items and identification left behind, they believe arrests may be possible.
Police have not yet released details about potential suspects or charges, and the investigation remains active.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact local authorities. Share your thoughts or experiences with home security and neighborhood safety in the comments below.
